While some studies, such as research conducted by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, affirm this gender stereotype, others note variances in the types of risks taken and environmental factors, as noted by Columbia Business School researchers. However, there’s a universal truth all business leaders must heed — whether you’re a natural gambler or not, success is rarely accompanied without a significant risk.

Taking a risk is terrifying — your emotions, finances or even your entire career could be on the line.

I had all of that to gain or lose when I left a large corporate telecom job to start my own comprehensive telecom solutions company, RCG. The entrepreneurial spirit in me knew I was ready to branch out on my own, but my daughter was 6 years old at the time, and I could not guarantee the startup’s success or my family’s financial well-being.

Yet I took the plunge and, as soon as I did, I entered a new world of possibility. I was bombarded with opportunities for clients and partners, and my career has never been the same since. A high risk led to high reward, and I have no regrets.

Here are my five tips for taking the risk that could be a catalyst for your future.

• Do your due diligence. It’s called a risk for a reason. There is always something of value at stake, and you should never take this lightly. Understand all of your options and all of the potential outcomes of the opportunity at hand. Ask experts, nonbiased mentors, trusted colleagues, family and friends for advice. Crunch all the necessary numbers, and make sure you take time to carefully examine whether this risk is a smart one to take.

• Be the expert (or surround yourself with them). No matter the risk, you will find yourself in uncharted territory. Those whom you’ve relied on in the past may no longer be there to guide you through new challenges. If you are not confident in your ability to navigate this new world through your own expertise, make sure you surround yourself with people who can.

• Get support. If your risk is a bold one, you may not be able to tackle it alone. Make sure you have all the support you need, be it personal, staff or technology, to successfully execute your venture. Use your support system to confide in, work through issues and learn new perspectives during this new chapter in your career.

• Align risk with your passions. The very definition of a risk is “the possibility that something bad or unpleasant will happen.” Don’t make yourself vulnerable to defeat if it isn’t for something that you are wholly passionate about and will fulfill both personal and professional goals. Otherwise, the risk is not worth taking.

• Do it. No matter how long you mull it over, you will never feel 100 percent confident in your decision. There comes a point when you have to accept the nature of a risk, pull the trigger, and find out what your future holds.

Melinda Curran is the founder and CEO of RCG, a single-source telecom provider based in Franklin, providing all aspects of voice, data and mobility solutions with superior customer service to businesses across the country. Learn more about RCG at www.myrcg.com.